Proofreading

Tremendous effort from a whole team of people goes into the publishing process. From the copy writer, through to the translator and typesetter and then on to the printer. And so as the production chain lengthens, the potential for error increases underlying the basic need for proof-reading work at each stage of the publishing process.

Proof-reading can be improved by checking a document for various aspects of language. There may be an initial check on numbers and figures, followed by checks on spelling, unwanted omissions/additions, the consistent use of terminology and then more subtle aspects of language such as style and register.

We can often save time by incorporating amendments to another version of the document allowing changes to be tracked and highlighted. Alternatively, marginal notes and proofreader’s annotations can be written on to hard copy – sometimes preferable for certain formats. Feedback is also provided on certain less specific observations that may pertain to overall stylistic impressions or suggestions.